Inspired Magazine Spring 2016

Page 1

The Willowsford, Virginia Lifestyle

VOL. VII | 2016 | $4.95

The Leadership and Legacy of Willowsford Conservancy The Farm Market Expands for its Growing ‘Farm-ily’ How Loudoun Keeps Business Local Healthcare Meets Hospitality at StoneSprings


I N T RO D U C I N G

H O ME CO NCIE RGE on Willowsford.com

WillowsfordHomeConcierge.com With 10 builders and 17 collections to choose from, Willowsford has a home for every taste and lifestyle. Now, we’ve made finding your new home a little bit easier. Whether you know just what you’re looking for, you’re open to suggestion or you need a home right now, our brand-new Home Concierge can help you select the builder and home design that’s right for you. Visit The Tenant House and Boat House Information Centers Open Daily 11a.m. – 6p.m.


thoughts from the fi eld

Letter from Willowsford When we first began publishing Inspired, our goal was to introduce readers to the Willowsford community, but also to profile the surrounding people, businesses and experiences that make Loudoun County such a wonderful place to live. What’s been incredible to see is how often those stories are now interrelated. Willowsford has evolved from a great planned community to something even better— a real place that is part of the fabric of Loudoun County. As you’ll read in “Good Earth,” Willowsford Farm Market has expanded both its size and offerings, and has become a hub for local area residents who want to eat farm-fresh food and meet the people growing it. Willowsford Conservancy is taking a leadership role in nutrition in local schools, including partnering with a program that brings teachers to garden settings to learn about agricultural sciences and nutrition. Read “Stewardship” to learn about the new initiatives The Conservancy has planned.

In “Drink Local,” we introduce you to some of the innovative ways Loudoun County is connecting the agricultural roots of Western Loudoun County with the market demand of Eastern Loudoun County, including attracting a new hops processing plant to support our burgeoning craft beverage market. A publication of Willowsford, L.L.C. Contributor: Wallace & Company WallaceAndCompany.com ©2016 Willowsford, L.L.C., Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired, Inspired Living, A Naturally Planned are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. All Community and rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this magazine is expressly prohibited. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. The information, illustrations, maps, and depictions contained in this magazine concerning the Willowsford development are based on the current proposed development concepts; actual development may vary from what is depicted. As the vision for the project evolves, facilities, features and other components are subject to change. Certain features and amenities depicted within the magazine have not yet been, and may not be, constructed. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. Photographs and images are not necessarily of the Willowsford development, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of any features or designs of any specific community, neighborhood, amenities, facilities or improvements.

It’s this dichotomy of quiet, rural beauty and exciting, modern life that Loudoun County is so well characterized by, and Willowsford embodies both. Willowsford is a place where you can find incredible recreation, entertainment and activities, as well as the peace and tranquility of being in such a stunning natural setting. The uniqueness of that has earned Willowsford recognition both locally and nationally as Community of the Year in 2012, 2013 and 2014, and we’d love to have you come see for yourself what’s so special about this community. Here’s to finding out what inspires you this season.

All the best,

The Willowsford Team


18

15 5

1 22

10

28

52

46 41

32

57


Contents

SPRING 2016 1

5

thoughts from the field

Jaimee Reinertsen

good earth 32

Jaimee Reinertsen

Smokehouse Live The ’Burbs’ Best Barbecue, Bands and Bourbon

Jaimee Reinertsen

15

drink local Home Grown

Jaimee Reinertsen

18

inspired living Willowsford Life Monaca Onstad

22

stewardship Willowsford Conservancy Protecting the Past, Present and Future Alex Aloise

41

heart and soul

Spring 2016

10

homescape A Family Affair The Mitchell & Best Difference

Kelly Morris

eat local

homescape Masters of the Main

From Apples to Zinnias Shopping, Discovery and Conversation at Willowsford Farm Market

28

Letter from Willowsford

Expect Easier Health and Hospitality Take Residence at the New StoneSprings Hospital Alex Aloise

46

kids’ corner

Camp Willowsford A Fresh New Take on Summer Fun

Eva Watterson

52

rooted

Getting to Know Aldie Alex Aloise

57

inspired reflection

Towards the Sunshine


TRANSFORM

Patios and Retaining Walls Theme Gardens Water Features Landscape Lighting Pergolas and Arbors

Jorge Gómez OUTDOOR SPACE DESIGN

www.jgladesign.com (703) 789-0588 direxpo@hotmail.com Licensed and Insured

bloō smiles are the

happiest smiles Feel true bloō with: • All your needs met in one, gorgeous, spa-like location • Dental care for the entire family • Advanced technology – like CEREC® crowns-in-a-day • Our in-house oral surgeon for dental implants & more

Call today & start experiencing the bloōs.

dental

(703) 349-0313 | bloo-dental.com 22855 Brambleton Plaza, Ste. 208, Brambleton Town Center


good earth

From

Apples to Zinnias

Shopping, Discovery and Conversation at Willowsford Farm Market by Kelly Morris

Photography by Molly Peterson


good earth

6 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


good earth A quart of strawberries, mixed salad greens, six ears of corn...something called celeriac...a pint of salted caramel ice cream, one gallon of whole milk, coffee beans, stone-ground grits, Heirloom tomato sauce, soups and salads and, to top it off, a dozen flowers cut yourself to brighten your kitchen counter. One stop, close to home. Friendly faces selling only what’s fresh and local. Willowsford Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has come a long way since its inauguration in 2012. “We’re committed to finding out what works best for our farm-ily,” says Mike Snow, Director of Farm Operations. And they’ve done just that. The initial 50-member CSA, offering weekly farm-fresh produce off the back porch of The Tenant House, has expanded into more than 250 shares with two pick-up locations at The Grange and The Greens: The Farm Garden located in Ashburn and The Boat House in Aldie. Besides fresh vegetables, the CSA offers eggs, milk, flowers and more. Members have more flexibility with expanded market hours, share-size options and the choice of weekly or bi-weekly pickup.

“We’re committed to finding out what works best for our farm-ily.”

CSA isn’t the only thing budding at Willowsford Farm. While the Farm Stand started as a place to buy fresh veggies, the shelves and refrigerators now boast dairy items, pantry goods, beverages, meat and prepared foods made by Willowsford Kitchen. Deborah Dramby, Market Manager and Education Coordinator, says she saw the need for expansion early on. “The new addition gives us the opportunity to have everything we wanted but didn’t have the space for. We’re now able to stock a much larger variety and quantity of products we know people want.” “Not everybody has time to cook and we understand that,” says Mike. By offering items made with farm veggies, Willowsford Kitchen transforms extra crops into preserves, sauces, heat-and-serve dinners, soups and sandwiches for purchase. “We just want people to eat the food we grow here. Why not turn it into a dish that’s fresh, local and easy?” The Farm plans to continue to bring new products from Willowsford Kitchen and other local partners to the shelves. “We love creating custom krauts and pickles using Willowsford Farm vegetables,” says Rachel Armistead of Sweet Farm Sauerkraut in Woodsboro, MD. The connection between customers and the food they eat is part of the experience at Willowsford Farm & Market Stand. On any given Saturday, during market hours, you’ll find vendors showcasing their delicious krauts, goat cheese, coffee or lamb. Bill and Joan Baker, owners of New Asbury Farm in Leesburg, (continued)

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 7


good earth

“We want to make the garden awesome; a destination.”

8 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


good earth enjoy coming to The Market on Saturdays with samples of their lamb sausage, chili and stew. “Willowsford Farm Market has provided a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with customers just three miles down the road from the farm and introduce them to something they may never have had a chance to enjoy before.”

JOIN THE FARM-ILY

After shopping, take a moment to walk The Farm Garden, loaded with nearly 4 dozen beds of hot peppers, berries, tomatoes, flowers and herbs. “You-pick” is open during market hours but exploring in the garden is encouraged from sun up to sun down. “We want to make the garden awesome; a destination,” says Deb. “We want people to see what food looks like when it’s growing,” Mike adds. This spring you can take a self-guided tour through the rows of colorful, edible and medicinal plants, where residents can discover and learn about some unusual vegetation. Educational signs at the end of each bed may even inspire visitors to help with upkeep. “If you see Japanese beetles or stink bugs on the raspberries and blackberries, squish ’em!” quips Deb. “Let the spiders, praying mantises and assassin bugs be, though. They’re the good guys.” Regardless of the season, you’ll find there is always something growing at Willowsford Farm. This year, production began in The Grant village. Laying hens and dinner chickens have already made Willowsford Farm their home for the season while troops of Daisies and Boy Scouts eagerly scheduled their farm tours and volunteer days. Come by during market hours, and you might find kids staining their fingers red in the berry beds, a passerby picking tarragon to add flavor to that night’s dinner, or a curious soul asking about the power of kombucha.

VISIT THE FARM STAND Open to the Public May–Nov. TUES – FRI – 2–7pm SAT – 9am–2pm

It’s simple. You join. Farmers grow. You eat. Repeat. How CSA Works: You purchase your subscription from The Farm in advance of the production season. Then, each week during the season, you pick up your share and take it home. How The Farm Benefits: The upfront cost of your share helps The Farm pay for seeds, supplies and staff throughout the growing season. CSA allows farmers to gauge production quantities ahead of time before their days are spent in the field. And farmers feel connected and committed to the people they’re growing for. Benefits of Joining Willowsford CSA: Knowing where your food comes from and that it’s grown with the practices that are important to you. CSA gives you an opportunity to know the people who grow your food and form a relationship with The Farm and the land. Each box exposes you to a variety of well-known and lesser-known foods which allows you to explore new ingredients, recipes and cooking methods. Each week you’ll receive a newsletter about what’s in your box, thoughts from The Farm, recipes and helpful tips. You’ll also receive invitations to potlucks, cooking classes, volunteer hours and farm tours. Willowsford Farm CSA is an experience, not just another place to find your produce.

Don’t know if CSA is right for you? Visit our website to learn more at WillowsfordFarm.com

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 9


eat local

The ’Burbs’ Best

Barbecue, Bands and Bourbon by Jaimee Reinertsen

Photography by Molly Peterson


Smokehouse Live

Not everyone would like to be called “obsessive” by the Washington Post. That is, not unless you’re a barbecue guy being praised by food critic Tim Carman for the way you’re “forever tinkering” to get your formula just right. Smokehouse Live owner Jim Foss and Executive Chef Bryan Yealy set out to open a pilgrimage-worthy pitsmoked barbecue joint, but what they didn’t expect to find was 16,000 sprawling square feet available in The Village at Leesburg. “Then we thought, ‘Wow, we can do everything we ever wanted to in this one space and take it to a grand scale,’” says Foss. (continued)

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 11


ke. is ca v inclu l E de the infamous aily ak ed d

sb

t ee Sw

The restaurant has three main sections, from front to back: HOUSE: Sign up for your bourbon passport and take a tour of the 80 American whiskies featured so far at the SmokeHouse Live bar. Framed by garage doors, 50 stools surrounding the massive bar, and a metal flag with 10 stars in homage to Virginia as the 10th state, HOUSE could make you wish you had to wait longer for a table. LIVE: Most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, this is where you’ll catch some of the best live music in town – free. “We’re a restaurant first,” Foss says, “but we wanted people to just be able to come grab some barbecue and listen to some great music with Americana roots. That actually gives us lots of room to play with the lines, because southern rock fits as well as bluegrass.” SMOKE: Step up to the marketplace and order the meat of your choice, mostly by weight. Counter servers call your order back to the butcher and they cut it right in front of you in the true pit-to-counter tradition. Everything is cooked fresh, which means it also goes fast. “It’s very much a part of our concept that we’re probably gonna run out of stuff. Just like at all the world-class barbecue joints, you want to get here early because we don’t cook anything today for tomorrow,” Foss says. Then select your made-daily cold sides, hot sides and pastries, and grab a seat at one of the many picnic tables that fill the adjoining dining room. A sauce station features the four house favorites: the Kansas-Cityinspired Smokehouse sauce, East Carolina traditional vinegar, Savannah mustard sauce, and their Texas Chainsaw southwestern hot sauce. Not to worry, hand sinks in the dining room are part of the functional décor, which is a masterful meeting of industrial chic and simple

12 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

Americana. “We really wanted this to be simple,” says Foss. “Not over themed or a lot of knick-knacks. We just wanted to honor Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.” More than anything, they wanted it to feel comfortable. And it has worked, judging by the families that linger over Sunday brunch, watching their little ones’ rendition of a do-si-do in front of the band on stage. “We’re a family place. And the great thing is that this is barbecue I would put up there with some really fine cuisines. We’re using premium ingredients and elevating the whole experience with the pit-to-counter concept. But when you go out to dinner with your 4-year-old, you want the food to be pretty immediate. So here, you can go right up to the marketplace and get macaroni and cheese and get your 4-year-old eating, while you get to take your time. The little ones dance around and enjoy, and it’s all part of the experience.”

For menus and show times, visit smokehouse-live.com


eat local

“We’re a family place. And the great thing is that this is barbecue I would put up there with some really fine cuisines.”

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 13


LISA SMITH

Century 21 New Millennium Visit me on the web at

lisa.smith.c21nm.com “ The Willowsford community is like no other in the area, it combines the natural beauty of Virginia, high end amenities that appeal to every age group, and the style of design throughout all the homes and community features, (a style that has caught on through the rest of the east coast)

a true classic that will remain timeless. It’s a beautiful neighborhood to come home to or visit.” LOOKING TO SELL IN THE NEAR FUTURE

I would be happy to review the “must-do’s” before listing your home to ensure top dollar and a quick turnaround, I offer free staging and consultation. LOOKING TO BUY IN THE NEAR FUTURE

I have 4 years new construction experience, and can offer great insight on the important things to be aware of, set realistic expectations, and help you save thousands in the process!

One Loudoun 20405 Exchange St., #221 Ashburn, VA 20147

c: 703-987-0056 o: 703-858-2770 email:

lisa.smithc21nm@gmail.com

Khalil El-Ghoul

GLASS HOUSE REAL ESTATE 571-235-4821 khalil@glasshousere.com www.glasshousere.com

“Willowsford is more than a community, it is a way of life. When you pull into the community, you know you are home.”

All Glass House Real Estate clients get full service Representation and a 2% Commission Rebate.


drink local

Grown

HOME

by Jaimee Reinertsen


Loudoun County is a wonderful study in contrasts. Its rural west side is characterized by farmland, vineyards and equestrian culture. Its bustling east side is filled with some of the Capital Region’s best shopping, dining, schools, jobs and residences. It’s the third-most populous county in Virginia – with the least amount of paved roads. This complement between rural, suburban and urban is what gives Loudoun County its unique charm. Truly a farm-to-table county, Western Loudoun grows and produces what Eastern Loudoun consumes and supports. Keeping this wheel turning is the goal of the Loudoun County Rural Economic Development Council (REDC). By identifying market trends, the REDC makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on initiatives that help fill gaps in infrastructure, education, processing and distribution to attract rural businesses, keep them and help them thrive. For example, the popularity of craft beverages has been on the rise throughout the country, creating demand for local businesses like breweries, which in turn create demand for Loudoun County farmers to grow more hops and malting grains. Kellie Boles, Loudoun County’s Agricultural Development Officer, says a gap in the ability to deliver on that demand became clear when she saw that Lost Rhino Brewing Co. had rigged up a system on their rafters to dry the fresh, unpicked hops local farmers were bringing them. “A brewery can only use so much fresh hops,” says Kellie. “But they’re so committed to brewing their all-Virginia beer, Native Son, that they took in all the hops that anybody sold them and figured out how to dry them so they could use them all year long. But I saw it and thought, this is above and beyond. We can’t ask them to keep doing this.” “Since then, we’ve actually been successful in attracting a hops processing plant to Loudoun,” Boles says. Another opportunity the REDC has identified is to increase Loudoun County’s production of Thoroughbred barley, which the American Malting Barley Association recently added to its approved list of barley. “We already grow Thoroughbred here

16 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


drink local and, even unmanaged, it tests very well. Farmers would barely have to change their farming practices to manage it for mildew and pests, and then they can expect three times the market value,” she says.

“I think the craft beverage industry is a very good example of our plan in Loudoun to keep our rural businesses rooted in agriculture.”

“Then as we increase production, one of the things I’m working toward is to develop a grading system. So the highest quality barley will go to the brewers. The medium-quality barley will go to the distillers. And then that lowest grade barley will go for feed. And if we’re out there marketing to brewers that the barley we’re growing in Virginia is the absolute highest grade, we can sell it all for a premium price.” “I think the craft beverage industry is a very good example of our plan in Loudoun to keep our rural businesses and every other value-added food-and drink-based businesses rooted in agriculture,” Boles says. Another success for the REDC has been in supporting Loudoun County’s 43 farm wineries. “We are at a critical mass with people coming to Loudoun to visit our wineries. The next step is to ensure we have the workforce in place to continue to support that wine industry, and that we are growing a quality grape and making a quality wine. The way to do that is to educate that workforce.” To do that, the county worked with Northern Virginia Community College, which now offers classes in viticulture, led by leading wine makers, and hopes one day to have a stand-alone building on campus dedicated to viticulture and enology. Finally, among other recommendations, the county is also evaluating the need for a year-round indoor farmer’s market at the eventual terminus of The Metro’s Silver Line. “We’re looking at all the components that would make that financially viable, including prepared foods,” Boles says. “As people are getting off the train and running home, they want to be able to grab something quick. If we can provide them that meal or one component of it that’s made with local food, that’s really where the market is going.”

For more information about the Regional Economic Development Council and its updated recommendations, visit biz.loudoun.gov

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 17


inspired living by Monaca Onstad, Community Manager

If it seems like there’s always something new to do at Willowsford – a new adventure to embark upon or a new tradition to enjoy for years to come – well, that’s because there is! This past year has been filled with incredible moments that have already transformed into lasting memories. Here are just some of the new traditions you can look forward to when you join us at Willowsford! • Visit Willowsford Farm each week for fresh veggies, fruits and locally sourced goods • Take a cooking class from an expert chef or join the Jr. Chef Academy at either of our two world-class demonstration kitchens • Spend a night under the stars at a family campout • Test your endurance for skill and fun at a Rev3 Adventure race • Explore your artistic side in one of our after-school art and music programs • Mingle with friends and neighbors at a monthly event like a BYOB potluck dinner • Exercise your body, mind and spirit at our state-of-the-art fitness center • Enjoy the crisp fresh air walking or biking on miles of nature trails • Whether you’re a wine or beer lover, a history buff, or both, you can make new friends who share your passions by joining one of the many community clubs Visit Willowsford.com/calendar to keep up with everything happening at Willowsford!

Flick ’n Float


Willowsford Farm Animals

Sycamore House Trails of Willowsford


Pin Oak Park Pavilion

Farm Garden

Willowsford Waves Swim Team

Demonstration Kitchen


inspired living

Resident Celebrations

The Lodge at Willow Lake

Bocce Courts

The Farm Market


stewardship

Willowsford Conservancy Protecting the Past, Present and Future by Alex Aloise


Photo by Alan Bushnell

Iris Gestram, Executive Director, Willowsford Conservancy. Among all of its gorgeously designed new homes and recreational amenities, there is one part of Willowsford that uniquely sets it apart from any other community you’re likely to encounter. Actually, there are 2,000 parts. They are the acres of lush, rolling hills, winding, wooded trails and wide-open spaces Willowsford has set aside as open space. Most of this acreage is cared for and maintained by the Willowsford Conservancy, founded in 2011 as a non-profit. As steward, the Conservancy is charged with protecting this land and its long-term, sustainable usage for residents of both the community and Loudoun County.

“I went to university in Germany for a degree in Agronomy [the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fiber, and land reclamation], but it was during an internship at the Niagara Parks Commission in Canada that I really got hooked on the concept of public education,” she says. “From there I focused my career on public garden management and using the land as an educational and recreational asset, which eventually led me to Willowsford. This place is the perfect combination of all of that, and our vision is that it becomes a model for other communities around the country.” (continued)

Of course, no destination can be reached without an expert navigator behind the wheel, and in its new Executive Director, Iris Gestram, Willowsford Conservancy has found that person. Growing up on a farm in Germany, Iris always had a love for agriculture, gardening and cooking. That passion stayed with her, leading her toward a career that has kept her closely connected to the natural environment.

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 23


To help make that vision a reality, Iris and her team are turning their attention to what they see as the four main pillars of The Conservancy’s mission:

Education

Every aspect of Willowsford offers some kind of opportunity to learn and educate people about the place where they live through activities that will focus on subjects like land preservation, food systems, nutrition and culinary arts, local history, and outdoor recreation. With that in mind, there are plans in the works to make Willowsford a destination for education, open to the whole Northern Virginia region and beyond. “What we have been doing so far has focused on nutrition in schools, so our next goal is to expand that effort,” Iris explains. “We are currently working to partner with an organization called DC Greens, which brings teachers into garden settings and educates them on garden sciences and nutrition, so that they can then take that information back into their classrooms.” The goal is to provide learning experiences that connect to Willowsford's land and its natural resources, and that inspire learners of all ages to become lifelong advocates for environmental sustainability, conservation and healthy living. With Willowsford Farm, Willowsford Kitchen, and 2,000 acres of natural open space, The Conservancy and Farm are exciting sites for curriculumbased field trips to engage students in hands-on learning, expose them to a variety of plant and animal species, and help them establish the connection between farm operations, the food they eat, and the environment. Iris is excited about the prospects of cultivating an environmental appreciation within Willowsford’s youngest residents. “I think we have the opportunity to inspire children here to be advocates for sustainability. They’re literally growing up with the land they’re being encouraged to maintain and protect.” 24 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

Environmental Stewardship

The Conservancy is tasked with the long-term management of Willowsford’s land, including habitat restoration, wildlife and vegetation management, environmental education, and the expansive trail system. Partnerships with organizations like Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, the Audubon Society, and others are vital tools for conservation and education efforts. “Our job is to manage the land, maintain it, conserve it, and restore it,” she says. “However, at Willowsford we do that for the purpose of recreation and education. It’s not just a preserve of set-aside land.” While The Conservancy is directly responsible for its half of the land, Iris is also optimistic about how residents will use the entirety of the community. “We have 2,000 acres but there are 2,000 more with homes on them,” she continues. “I see the natural habitats around those homes as just as important as our land, because it connects everything we’re doing. Our homeowners are becoming very interested in sustainable gardening, habitat health and contributing to the community’s overall biodiversity.”


stewardship

Farming

The centerpiece of The Conservancy is Willowsford Farm. In the future, Iris hopes that farm operations will expand to include production of grass-fed beef and lamb, and free-range pigs, adding to the farm-raised eggs and chicken. Additional fruit and vegetable production will allow for growth of the Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program as well as for adding a second, year-round Market fronting Route 50/John Mosby Highway, selling fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods.

Outdoor Recreation

Ensuring that Willowsford’s residents can enjoy the outdoors through programs that enrich their sense of community and promote a healthy lifestyle is the final pillar of The Conservancy’s mission. In addition to running, walking, hiking and biking, Iris and her team hope to inspire residents to try out new activities and become proficient campers, kayakers, canoers, adventure racers and mountain bikers. “We are in the process of building 45 miles of trails, but we’re also thinking of ways to program the trails with activities like guided nature walks and hikes,” she says. “We are also building campsites. We don’t just presume that people know how to pitch a tent or build a fire. We want to make these learning experiences available to families and residents so that they can become comfortable and proficient in the outdoors.”

“Three hundred acres of this land are dedicated specifically to The Farm. This is where we can educate people about the whole food system,” says Iris. “It’s more than just growing vegetables. We have the chance here to work with families and schools to help them understand where their food comes from, how it affects the land they live on, and how healthy, nutritious eating habits can benefit an entire community.”

Whether it’s building and maintaining the community’s 45-mile nature trail system, hosting various outdoor recreation activities and races, or tending to the 300 acres that make up Willowsford Farm, The Conservancy is driving Willowsford toward a greener, more sustainable future.

To learn more about Willowsford Conservancy, visit WillowsfordConservancy.org

The Conservancy works closely with The Farm team to share their combined knowledge and love for eating through educational workshops and social events like potlucks and cooking classes. VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 25


stewardship

26 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


THE MISSION OF THE WILLOWSFORD CONSERVANCY: The Willowsford Conservancy protects, maintains, and promotes the viable, long-term use of the land, integrating farming, recreation, conservation and education to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Willowsford and Loudoun County.


homescape

Willowsford homebuilders respond to market demand for floorplan flexibility with a new breed of main-floor master home designs.

Masters Main Of The

by Jaimee Reinertsen

Over the next 15 years, how will your lifestyle, household and health change? Could your parents come to live with you? Will your kids come home after college? Will your physical needs change? These are the questions guiding many people’s new home search today, as they take the long view on what they’ll need from their next home.

For people who expect to have their parents living with them, they’re thinking about how to support their physical needs, while also maintaining everyone’s privacy and independence.

With an aging population and more and more multigenerational families living together, the homes with the most flexibility to address homebuyers’ future needs are the ones gaining the most popularity.

The great news for these buyers is that there are now so many more choices available in new home designs that fit the main-floor-master bill. So you can still have all the style and finish choices that come with buying a brandnew home, while getting a floorplan that works well into the future.

Homebuilders have responded to this demand for flexibility with more open-concept floorplans (versus the traditional model of separate rooms for separate uses), as well as the mega-trend toward main-floor master bedrooms.

Eight Willowsford builders offer main-floor-master floorplans, in a variety of home styles ranging from traditional to modern (see sidebar for more information). And they are getting more and more sophisticated in their approach to new designs.

As the youngest of America’s 78 million Baby Boomers turn 55 this year, many have arrived at a stage where their children are grown, they have more time and disposable income for entertaining, and they anticipate that a day may come when a second-floor master bedroom may not sound so good to their knees.

Last fall, Willowsford’s newest builder, M/I Homes, conducted focus groups to truly understand what buyers interested in main-level living needed and desired in their next home. The builder of The Grant Courtyards, a neighborhood of low-maintenance, single-family homes clustered around shared courtyards, received important feedback that influenced the final design of the courtyard homes, neighborhood, and services. (continued)

28 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


Line K

Camberley Homes

Drees Homes

Van Metre Homes


Camberley Homes

K. Hovnanian Homes 30 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

Line K


homescape

Eight Willowsford builders offer main-floor-master floorplans, in a variety of home styles ranging from traditional to modern. And they are getting more and more sophisticated in their approach to new designs.

Many Ways to Live On the Main Van Metre Homes The Grant

3 Floorplans from 3,627-3,861 square feet From $1 Million The Grange

1 Floorplan, 3,005 square feet From the low $800’s

Camberley Homes The Greens

One 2-story floorplan, 3,800 square feet From the upper $700’s

Drees Homes The Greens

Two floorplans from 3,574-4,274 square feet Single-level living and independent living suite options From the low $800’s

K. Hovnanian Homes The Grange & The Greens

Two 2-story floorplans from 3,417-4,056 square feet From the upper $600’s

M I Homes conducted focus groups at Sycamore House.

Line K

The Grant

One contemporary ranch floorplan, 4,046 square feet

Participants said they still want lots of storage space and garage space, but that maintenance-free living was “huge.” They particularly loved the way this new neighborhood is positioned to look out toward the mountains and over Willowsford Farm. “You get the feeling of outdoor space without having to manage it,” said one attendee, looking at the plans. Personal preferences varied for where the participants wanted secondary bedrooms (main floor, basement or second floor), but with three new floorplans, M/I Homes seemed to be offering something for everyone.

From $1.2 Million

M/I Homes

Coming Soon to The Grant From the $600’s

Richmond American Homes The Greens

Two ranch-style floorplans from 2,974-3,171 square feet From the low $600’s

The Windmill Collection Coming Soon to The Greens

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 31


homescape

A Family Affair The Mitchell & Best Difference

by Jaimee Reinertsen Sometimes, the best things in life aren’t planned. When Mitchell & Best got its start 40 years ago, it certainly wasn’t planned to be a family-owned homebuilding company. In fact, the company wasn’t even planned. “It started off because I got fired,” laughs Bob Mitchell. He and his friend Lou Best worked for a development company that went out of business in the downturn of 1974. Needing to support their families, they took their combined business, engineering and construction expertise and decided to build a few homes, starting with 32 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

remnant parcels of land they could buy inexpensively. Over time, each of Bob’s four children joined the company, which is something none of them anticipated. “Each one of these kids,” Bob says – catching himself at the use of the word ‘kids’ to describe his adult children – “Each one of them worked during the summers or at other times for our company. When they graduated, they each worked for businesses in their different fields.” Kristy has accounting and law degrees and has now been with the company for 25 years. Marty has a finance degree and started in the company’s accounting department 24 years ago. Linda has a marketing background and came on 21 years ago after working for several ad agencies and another developer. And Rob is the “newbie” at 11 years, bringing his (continued)


Photo by Molly Peterson

Photo by Maxine Schnitzer

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 33


homescape

“ The ‘bottom line’ is only one of the factors in our decision making: it’s not the factor.” technology management, engineering and business background to the company. In addition to the family, there are those who “feel like family” – employees like Project Managers Billy Neeb, Mike Smith and recently retired John Corgan, who have been with Mitchell & Best nearly the entire 40 years. Many others have been with the company for decades. Together, they’ve made Mitchell & Best one of the most highly regarded homebuilders in the Capital Region, and an incredible training ground for new talent with fresh ideas.

34 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

“There’s just something about them. They’re good people. They treat you with respect, and they’re up front with you,” says Dominic Seminara, whose company, Stonework by Santo, has done masonry for Mitchell & Best for two generations. “It’s actually a badge of honor that my company is able to continue working with them.” Part of the reason the family thinks people notice a difference in Mitchell & Best is that it is a privately owned company. Rob says, “We’re not answering to stockholders, so we can answer more directly to other constituents, whether it’s the customers, developers or trade partners we’re working with. The ‘bottom line’ is only one of the factors in our decision-making; it’s not the factor.” When they talk about their homes at Willowsford, their pride is palpable. “Every bit of Willowsford’s vision was something we wanted to be part of,” Marty says. “There’s the amenity package and farm-to-table concept, but we also like that Willowsford has stringent architectural guidelines because they bring (continued)


Photo by Maxie Schnitzer Photography by Maxine Schnitzer

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 35


the whole community up from a quality standpoint. We’ve always prided ourselves on providing a unique streetscape that is identifiable as a Mitchell & Best neighborhood.” Linda adds, “We have a lot of wow factor in our homes, but the real differences are how the space is allocated and the attention to detail. We really think through how our buyers will live in the home, and the features that will be important to them.” And what features they have! Mitchell & Best offers over 1,000 finishes as standard features, many of which would be considered upgrades with other builders. Plus, every home is certified to the “Silver Level” of the National Green Building Standards (NGBS) program. From there, the customization options are seemingly endless. Marty says, “We let the customer come in with their own set of ideas, even structural changes that other builders will just draw the line at. But we’ll entertain them if it’s possible. If we can’t do it because it would compromise the structural integrity of the house, we’ll get as close as we can to meet their needs. People don’t understand the level of customization we do.” Offering so many customization options takes expertise on every front, Linda points out. “It takes special trade partners, and must be carefully managed. That’s why it’s so important to have that loyalty of our subcontractors. We have the architectural and design ability, but just as important, we have people in the field to execute it. Our

36 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

superintendent at Willowsford has been with us for 38 of our 40 years. That means something to us personally, but it also means a higher quality home.” One of Mitchell & Best’s trade partners, Everett Collins of Paintworx, puts it this way: “Working with Mitchell & Best after all these years, I can say they’re one of the topnotch builders out there. I think what makes all this work is, basically, we all care about what we do. And when you care about what you do, you build better homes, and deliver a better product to the homeowner.”

To learn more about Mitchell & Best Homes at Willowsford, visit Willowsford.com/MitchellBest


homescape

6

What Makes a Willowsford Home Unique?

2

4

3 1

8

5

Exterior home designs at Willowsford are based designs at Willowsford are based onExterior historichome styles prevalent in Loudoun County, on historic styles prevalent in Loudoun County, including Federal, Folk Victorian, Gothic Revival, including & Crafts, Federal, Folk Victorian, and QueenArts Anne. Gothic Revival and Queen Anne.

In deference to historic evolution, a Willowsford In deference historic evolution, aofWillowsford house mirrorsto the appearance a house built house mirrors the appearance of a house over over time. Requirements included the built use of hightime. Requirements include the use of high quality quality materials and siting homes in a way that materials and siting homes in a way that creates creates cohesive appealing streetscape. cohesive, appealing streetscapes. The following are standards for homes as seen from following are standards theThe street:

for homes as seen from the street:

- Exterior cladding must be brick, stone, stucco or - Exterior cladding must be brick, stone, stucco or cementitious siding. Vinyl siding is not permitted cementitious siding. Vinyl siding is not permitted. - Windows, glassdoors, doors, sidelights and transoms - Windows, glass sidelights and transoms must have authentic-style exterior muntinsmuntins on the glass. must have authentic-style exterior on the glass - Exterior-projecting fireplaces must be masonry.

7

MITCHELL & BEST MOSBY HOME: 1 2 3

9 foot ceilings on the first floor

& BeSt MItCHElL Steeply pitched roof with cross gables MoSbY HOmE :

Minimum 4” corner boards and window trim with decorative crown 1

9-FoOt CEIlINgS On THe FIrSt FlOoR

2

StEePlY pITCHeD RoOf WITH CRoSs GAbLeS

4

Board and Batten siding

5

High quality windows with authentic muntins 3 MInImUm 4” COrNeR BoArDS AND WInDOW on the exterior of the glassCRoWN TrIM WITH DECoRAtIVE

6

BAtTeNShingles SIDInG or standing seam 4 BoARD ANDGrade Architectural metal 5 HIGH QUALItY WINDoWS WITH AUtHEnTIC

7

Doors, sidelights and transoms with authenticGrADE SHInGlEs 6 ARCHItECtURAl style exterior applied muntins on the glass Or StANDInG SeAM mEtAL

8

Trim work SIDeLIgHTs stylisticallyAND appropriate to WITH the house TrANsOmS 7 DOoRs,

MUnTInS On THe EXteRIor Of THe GlASs

AUTHeNtIC–StYLe, EXteRIor–APpLIeD MUnTInS On THe GlASs

- Exterior-projecting fireplaces be masonry - Roofs must, at a minimum, havemust architectural grade shingles.

- Roofs must, at a minimum, have architectural- Porches are encouraged that are classically grade shingles designed and style-specific.

- Porches are are encouraged classically - Garage doors not permittedthat to faceare the street designed andback style-specifi unless set toward thecrear of the house. - Garage doors are not permitted to face the street unless setback toward the rear of the house

8

TrIM WOrK StYLIsTICAlLY APpRoprIATe tO THe HOUsE

Renderings are artist concepts and elevations may include optional features. This fl oorplan is intended as a representation of the blueprints. Window sizes and placements are per elevation. Brochures are intended as use for illustrative purposes and are not a legal document. Contact Sales Manager for details.

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 37


The Boat House and Willow Lake



HOLLOWAY COMPANY DREAM | DESIGN | BUILD | FURNISH

Decks • Patios • Pavilions • Fireplaces • Fire Pits • Seating Walls Outdoor Kitchens • Screened Porches • Three-Season Rooms

Visit Our Design Center and Get Inspired! Fireplaces & Seating Walls

Kitchens

Curved Decks & Under Deck Dry Space

Screened & Three-Season Porches

Outdoor Living, Pavilions & Lighting

Retail Offerings

Grills • Outdoor Appliances • Three-Season Windows Outdoor Furniture • Hot Tubs • And More...

Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM

42351 Azalea Lane • Dulles, VA 20166 703-996-8099 www.HollowayCompany.com

Weekends By Appointment Only


heart and soul

Expect Easier

Health and Hospitality Take Residence at the New StoneSprings Hospital Center By Alex Aloise It’s interesting that words as closely related as “hospital” and “hospitality” don’t seem to have much in common anymore. The experience of a hotel stay and a hospital stay generally couldn’t be much farther apart. But the all-new StoneSprings Hospital Center may just change that, taking a cue from the hospitality industry and bringing personal touches and creature comforts to its interior design and patient care approach. Just walking into the hospital feels better. A light-filled, 2-story lobby combines natural materials like wood and stone with intimate seating areas and spa-inspired

colors. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Each bedside table has a touchscreen, where you can order fresh, made-to-order meals you’d expect to find at a top-rated restaurant. Loudoun County’s first new hospital in 100 years sits just down the road from Willowsford on Route 50. Part of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Virginia Health System, it opened its doors in December of 2015. Located on the former Glascock Landing Field, the new hospital brings state-of-the-art services to residents of an area who, for too long, had to travel too far to find the care they needed. (continued) VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 41



heart and soul

“Our goal is that people can ‘expect easier’ and that starts with a location that’s easy to reach.”

“People are very excited that we’re here,” says Jennifer Knowlton, StoneSprings’ Director of Marketing and Communications. “This area of Northern Virginia has been underserved for a long time, and going to the doctor is not always convenient when the office is so far away. Our goal is that people can ‘expect easier,’ and that starts with a location that’s easy to reach.” The new facility is impressive, both inside and out. The modern exterior uses a blend of glass, stone and brick to pay homage to the area’s Colonial roots while still emphasizing a clean, 21st-Century aesthetic. A corridor links the main hospital to the medical office building in case patients need to go in for tests or consultations. Every detail of the hospital center was meticulously planned with a stress-free experience in mind, even the ones that have yet to be built. “We are designed to expand,” Knowlton says. “If you look at the building from the front, our main level has a flat, extended roof. That space gives us the capability to build an additional four floors with 124 beds without disrupting the current facility. We also have a corridor in our surgical center that could be opened to fit another seven ORs without affecting any of the currently existing rooms.” As impressive as the building’s design features are, what truly sets StoneSprings apart from other facilities in Northern Virginia are its exceptionally personalized services. Everything, from the way patients communicate with staff to the way they eat, has been carefully considered and ingeniously implemented to ensure that every individual who walks through the door is as comfortable as possible. “When speaking with people about things they’d like to see more of at our facility, one of the biggest things that kept coming up was consistency of care,” says Knowlton. “People don’t want to have to repeat themselves to every person who walks into their room.” To address this concern, StoneSprings utilizes iMobile, a service that provides dedicated iPhones to patients and their specific care team. “It allows them to communicate with each other without having to run down a doctor,” she continues. “These phones help ensure that care can be given much faster and more efficiently.” (continued) VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 43


heart and soul Every meal at StoneSprings, from standard lunches to its vegan and vegetarian options, is made-to-order using fresh, organic ingredients, ensuring that the food is faster, hotter and fresher than typical hospital fare. “If you’re a late riser and you don’t get up until 10:30am, but you still want breakfast, you can have breakfast at 10:30am,” Darner says. “If you’re feeling really crummy at 6pm and all you want is scrambled eggs, we’ll get you scrambled eggs.” Apps and eggs may not necessarily be what patients expect to find when they check into a hospital. Yet, they are indicative of the attention to detail and careful consideration for the area’s diverse population that went into StoneSprings Hospital Center. What Loudoun County residents can expect however, is to benefit from this incredible new facility for many years to come.

To learn more about StoneSprings Hospital Center, visit stonespringshospital.com

StoneSprings Hospital Center by the Numbers In addition to its technological advances, StoneSprings has also taken the extra step when it comes to the culinary side of hospital service. “We all know how diverse this area is, and we understand that a limited menu filled with things you’d never normally eat can be extremely dissatisfying,” Knowlton acknowledges. “Even our ice chips come in different flavors! We just want people to be comfortable. That’s our entire mission, and that includes providing meals that they would actually want to eat.” To accomplish that mission, StoneSprings turned to its Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Dianna Darner, DTR, to help develop an authentic, fresh and ethnically diverse menu. “We have the great fortune of having a chef on staff who has worked in 5-Star hotels in China,” says Darner. “Being able to speak to some of the Asian population, for example, we know that we’ll be able to create truly authentic meals, using the right ingredients and the right techniques.”

234K Square Feet 124 Beds 15 Emergency Room Bays 7 Operating Rooms 5 Diagnostic Imaging Rooms 1 Cardiac Cath Lab/OR


Keep Cool This Summer!


Camp Willowsford

kids' corner

46 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

A Fresh New Take on Summer Fun by Eva Watterson

There are few pleasures so pure as watching a child’s face light up with joy when he or she makes a new discovery. And during Camp Willowsford’s inaugural summer last year, those moments happened daily. Like many summer camps, Camp Willowsford activities include outdoor recreation on trails and lakes, as well as arts and crafts. But Willowford’s unique environment also gives children access to uncommon classrooms on the community’s 300-acre farm and in its demonstration kitchens. “As a community, Willowsford is integrated with nature at every turn,” says Monaca Onstad, Community Manager for Willowsford Life (HOA). “So we didn’t want to do a typical camp. We wanted to help children make a connection between the natural world and how they interact with it.” The first day of camp, the kids went to Willowsford Farm to collect eggs and harvest the produce and herbs they would use the next day in the kitchen. “They got to see where food really comes from,” Monaca says. Then, on day 2, the campers worked with Chef Bonnie Moore, Willowsford’s Culinary Director, and her staff to make their own snack and lunch from the fresh ingredients they picked the day before. “They were especially amazed by the pasta maker,” shares Alex Burkett, Community Coordinator for Willowsford Life. “The jaw-drops when they saw the dough going through the machine were definitely a highlight.” Beyond the farm and kitchen, there are miles and miles of trails and nature to explore at Willowsford. Kids learned to kayak and canoe and, later in the week, they added one more tree to Willowsford's collection by planting a new one together. Andrew Richardson, the Willowsford Conservancy Ranger, taught them about nature conservation in the process, and they learned a lot about teamwork, too. (continued)



Looking Forward to Camp Willowsford 2016 Kids of all age groups can have the one-of-a-kind experience that camp at Willowsford has to offer!

WEEK

1

PIONEERS Bringing Bugs to Life!

EXPLORERS Lost & Found in the Wilds of Willowsford

WEEK

2

PIONEERS Lego速 Brick Build

EXPLORERS Discover Good Food & Great Outdoors

WEEK

3

PIONEERS Fun With Food Art

EXPLORERS Finding Your Foodie

WEEK

4

PIONEERS Melody makers

EXPLORERS House of Jam

ADVENTURERS Rev3 Adventure Camp

WEEK

5

PIONEERS Lego速 Brick Build

EXPLORERS Discover Good Food & Great Outdoors

WEEK

6

PIONEERS Melody Makers

EXPLORERS Lego速 Jr. Robotics

Residents can visit WillowsfordLife.com for more information and to register for Camp Willowsford 2016.

48 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


summer fun

kids' corner

And because no summer camp is complete without fishing, campers learned how to bait a hook and cast on Willow Lake. “It was the first time many of the kids had ever experienced fishing,” Alex said. “The whole group’s utter joy and excitement when someone caught a fish was great.” “Experiencing and truly enjoying so many different facets of the outdoors helped the children understand why it’s important to protect nature and limit our impact on it,” Monaca says. Camp Willowsford 2016 will host different activities and experiences than it did in 2015, but the core elements of healthy cooking and eating, outdoor recreation, conservation and appreciation of nature will remain the same for all the camps to come.

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 49


WE’RE HERE FOR YOU AT TA X T I M E

OR

ANY TIME

We understand you don’t think about taxes all year, but we do. At H&R Block, we’re available year round to discuss the tax implications of your life-changing events. From wedding bells, babies and new homes to medical issues and natural disasters, we’re here to put our expertise to work for you.

15-1482

Willowsford Resident Owned and Operated ASHBURN VILLAGE BROADLANDS LEESBURG HERNDON HERNDON RESTON STERLING

44198 Ashburn Shopping Pl. 43150 Broadlands Center 14 Fairfax Street 297 Herndon Pkwy 13340 Franklin Farm Rd. 11305 Sunset Hills Rd. 46950 Community Pl.

(703) 723-9530 (571) 291-2216 (703) 777-3590 (703) 435-0565 (703) 435-0331 (703) 435-0417 (703) 430-6639 OBTP# B13696 ©2015 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

Celebrating 30 Years in Business ~ You’ve tried the rest, now try the best!

DESIGN | BUILD | LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT | Since 1986 | 703.544.0028


Your Home Sold Y

The Reynolds Team

Named one of the top teams by the Wall Street Journal.

Or Debbie and Sarah Will Buy It!*

Call The Reynolds Team and Start Packing!

703-297-4251 Get a Free Special Report Detailing Our Exclusive Guaranteed Sale Program at www.WFGuaranteedSale.com *Conditions Apply, call for details

4 BIG REASONS TO CALL DEBBIE AND SARAH TO SELL YOUR HOME

"From the beginning the Reynolds Team had our target price and prediction right on the money. Their plan and calculations were precise and the house was sold from the first open house the day after listing. I found the Reynolds Team to be lovely and charming. Their finger was on the pulse of the neighborhood and they were more than willing to do everything in their power to negotiate the best deal all around. I highly recommend these ladies who made our sale and move smooth and uncomplicated when there were unforseen complications."

-Chris Hull

"The Reynolds Team was phenomenal from start to finish throughout this process. My house sold after three days and we closed a week early! They were attentive, on-point, thorough, and got the job done. The entire Sold in only 3 process was seamless! I cannot say enough Days for 100% of the Asking good things about working with this team. Price! Thank you so much!" Sarah is a proud Homeowner in Willowsford! -The Desousas

Call Debbie and Sarah NOW 703-297-4251 and Start Packing!


rooted

As Loudoun County continues to grow year after year, so too do its scenic neighborhoods, bustling town centers and quaint villages. While areas like Leesburg and Ashburn are well known throughout Northern Virginia, the county is full of other equally inviting locales, one of which is home to The Greens and The Grove villages of Willowsford. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Bull Run and Blue Ridge Mountain Ranges, Aldie, Virginia is a village with a rich history spanning over 200 years. Springing up in the area around the Aldie Mill, the town’s location along the Little River in a gap between the Catoctin and Bull Run Mountains was originally a strategic crossing point for travelers and merchants moving in every direction throughout the state. (continued)

52 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


Aldie

Get To Know

by Alex Aloise

Photography by J. Riley Stewart


Historical anecdotes like this are common in Aldie. The town’s historic district is filled with structures dating as far back as 1775, most notable of which is the restored Aldie Mill. Its tandem metal waterwheels, enduring symbols of how people lived in the rural South, famously mark the four-story brick building, which is Virginia’s only known gristmill powered by twin wheels. In October 2010, thanks to a grant from the Loudoun Preservation Society, the wheels were restored to an operational capacity, allowing students and visitors the chance to see an original water-powered gristmill perform the way it once did during a time when mills were essential to the daily lives of those within the community. Like so many other Virginia towns, Aldie’s history includes a noteworthy moment during the Civil War, at the start of the Gettysburg campaign. An initial meeting between North and South forces in Aldie on June 17, 1863 saw Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart station a brigade in the town to slow down Union troops as his men tried to cross the Potomac into Maryland undetected. Though this battle is deemed “inconclusive” in the history books, it served as a precursor to when the two sides would meet again two weeks later at Gettysburg. Today, the battlefield is marked by Loudoun County’s only monument to Union forces.

54 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


rooted

The Greens and The Grove, two of Willowsford’s four villages, typify Aldie in their extensive patchwork of lush forests, wide-open meadows, rolling hills, and offer a wide array of homes. The Greens in particular offers the community's largest number of homesites, extending from Braddock Road down to its southern border along Bull Run. Willowsford’s stunning home designs and Aldie’s panoramic setting make for the perfect blend of modern style and historic charm. Outdoor highlights like The Lodge Pool and Grassland Community Park offer endless fun, from campouts and picnics to sledding and running with man’s best friend at the dog park. A winding loop trail borders the entire village for scenic walks and plenty of breathing room. (continued) Building upon that historic foundation, the Aldie of today is a scenic locale, conveniently situated just off John Mosby Highway, and still serves as a gateway to all that Loudoun County has to offer. The difference now, however, is that more and more people have discovered just what makes this hidden haven so special. In fact, in 2014, Aldie had the second fastestgrowing zip code in Virginia. Even with its rapid expansion, including the opening of John Champe High School in 2012, Aldie’s quiet, bucolic setting is a peaceful retreat from the typical hustle and flow of everyday life in Northern Virginia. From here, it’s just as easy to drive downtown to D.C. as it is to spend a day tasting hand-crafted, old-world style Italian wines in a pastoral vineyard like the one at Quattro Goomba’s Winery.

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 55


rooted

“At its heart, it is still that small town... where you can watch the sun rise and set in a dreamlike country sky.” Of course, The Greens’ most prominent landmark is The Lodge at Willow Lake. This state-of-the-art community centerpiece, inspired by Virginia’s rustic architectural heritage, overlooks the peaceful waters of Willow Lake, where you can fish from the dock or check out a canoe. Inside, a majority of the finished wood was harvested and milled from Willowsford land in Aldie. Outside, the lodge-like atmosphere includes a grand patio, bocce courts, yoga lawn and event lawn, as well as a terraced sun deck overlooking the mountains. Like all areas of Northern Virginia, the ever-forward march of progress and technology has transformed Aldie into an address with modern amenities and access to the region’s vast employment corridors. Yet, Willowsford's Aldie villages are proof that at its heart, it is still that small town situated between the mountains, where you can watch the sun rise and set in a dreamlike country sky, just as families did more than a century ago. 56 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016


inspired refl ection

“Keep your face towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.� -Walt Whitman


Continually Supporting Our Community Dr. Neal Kravitz is proud to be recognized as South Riding & Ashburn’s premier orthodontist. No doctor puts more of his heart & soul into supporting the community. Support the team that supports your community.

We Accept ALL Insurance y Pk w

Plaza

Pkw edars Tall C

Neal D. Kravitz D.M.D., M.S. Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics Specializing in Orthodontics for Children & Adults

25055 Riding Plaza, Suite 110 South Riding, VA 20152

y

Located off of Loudoun County Parkway in the Home Depot shopping center.

Sprague Dr

Ha

rr y

Thor

Dr

7

kw y

Brimfield

wy

nty P

wn Dr

to Province

dH

n Cou

Exchange St

Plaza

20405 Exchange Street, Suite 210 Ashburn, VA 20147

ndike St

Byr

ou Loud

Easthampton

(703) 722-2900 (571) 206-1395

y

Riding Ce

Riding

Riding

Plaza

o Loud

nter Driv e

unt un Co

50

Russell Branch

www.KravitzOrthodontics.com Open Weekdays 7am-7:30pm & Saturdays 8am-3pm

Located in One Loudoun next to the Alamo movie theater.

Pkwy


TH E W I LLOWSFOR D HOM E GU I DE

10 Homebuilders. 17 Collections. 20 Decorated Models. The importance of architecture in creating a unique community feeling can’t be overstated. Each home is a building block of the streetscapes that collectively become the “walls” of the outdoor room and give the community shape and style. That’s why, at Willowsford, each homebuilder offers a selection of signature home designs that are exclusive to Willowsford.

What will you find in a new home at Willowsford? • Homesites from under 1/4 -acre up to 1 1/2 acres • Home sizes ranging from 2,800 to over 4,000 square feet, to meet virtually any lifestyle • Breathtaking indoor and outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly • Luxurious master suites, available upstairs and on the main level in select floor plans

• The highest quality materials that blend the best of today’s energy and cost savings with classic character and timelessness • Unrivaled architectural requirements that combine classic style with contemporary design, such as brick or stone exteriors, architectural-grade shingled roofs, authentic muntins on every window and more

For more information about the current builders’ collections in Willowsford, visit the community website at willowsfordhome.com


Camberley Homes from the mid $700’s

Willowsford.com/Camberley 3,600–4,126 Sq. Ft. 1 /2 -Acre Home Sites

RE LE S G DUL

eld

Stone Spring s Rd

No rths tar Blv d

Bra d

do

ck

Rd

DU LL

ES T

O LL ROAD

Tysons Corner •

• Reston

28

Poto

• Mc

Dulles Airport Loudoun County Pkwy

Eve rfi

THE GRANGE

THE GROVE

267

Belmo n

Dr

t Ridg

d

THE GRANT

e Rd

ills R en M

gre Ever

15

EN WA Y

495

50

.

THE GREENS

66

• Fairfax

A MENITIES • The Lodge at Willow Lake Community Center & Recreation Area • Boat House Information Center • Grassland Community Park with Sledding Hills and Dog Park • Julia Jackson Pond & Park • Dahlia Manor Park

60 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

495

• Willowsford Farm

• Conservancy Camp Site • Miles of Trails • Poplar Pond • Cedar Pond Pavilion95

3


TH E GR EENS V ILL AGE – A LDI E , V I RGI N I A

Drees Homes

from the low $800’s Willowsford.com/Drees 3,574–5,663 Sq. Ft. 1 /2 -Acre Home Sites Single-Level Living

K. Hovnanian® Homes®

Richmond American Homes

from the mid $600’s

from the upper $500’s

Willowsford.com/KHovnanian 3,092–4,056 Sq. Ft. 1 /2 -Acre Home Sites

Willowsford.com/RAHomes 2,974–3,207 Sq. Ft. Under 1/4 -Acre Home Sites Single-Level Living

Grand Opening in the Grant! M/I Homes

from the mid $600’s Willowsford.com/MIHomes Main-Level Living

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 61


Beazer Homes

from the upper $600’s Willowsford.com/Beazer 3,099–3,622 Sq. Ft. 1 /4 -Acre Home Sites

495

e Rd t Ridg Belmo n

Dr

do

ck

Rd

ES T

O LL ROAD

• Reston

28 Stone Spring s Rd

No rths tar Blv d

Bra d

DU LL

• McLean

Dulles Airport Loudoun County Pkwy

Eve rfie ld

THE GRANGE

THE GROVE

267

iver cR

RE LE S G DUL

d

THE GRANT

ills R nM

gree Ever

15

Tysons Corner •

EN WA Y

Potoma

50

66

.

THE GREENS

66

AMENITIES • Lenah Grove Park • Willowsford Farm • Tall Cedars Tot Lot • Pin Oak Community Park • Swart Farmstead Historical Park • Log Cabin Tree House • Overlook Knoll Park • Miles of Trails

62 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

• Fairfax 7 495 395 Richmond American Homes 95 from the upper $600’s

Willowsford.com/RAHomes 3,550–4,250 Sq. Ft. Approximately 1/3-Acre Home Sites

495

95


TH E GROV E V ILL AGE – A LDI E , V I RGI N I A

Pulte Homes

Integrity Homes

Mitchell & Best Homes from the upper $700’s

from the low $600’s

Willowsford.com/Integrity 3,128–4,000 Sq. Ft. Under 1/4 -Acre & 1/3 -Acre Home Sites

Willowsford.com/MitchellBest 3,749–4,400 Sq. Ft. 1 /3 to 1/2 -Acre Home Sites

Willowsford.com/Pulte 3,014–3,496 Sq. Ft. 1 /4 -Acre Home Sites and Under

from the low $600’s

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 63


Van Metre Homes from the low $800’s

e Rd t Ridg ck

Rd

ES T

O LL ROAD

• Reston

28 Stone Spring s Rd

do

DU LL

Tysons Corner •

• McLean

Dulles Airport Loudoun County Pkwy

No rths tar Blv d

Bra d

267

Belmo n

Dr Eve rfie ld

THE GRANGE

THE GROVE

EN WA Y

Potoma

iver cR

RE LE S G DUL

d

THE GRANT

ills R nM

gree Ever

15

Willowsford.com/VanMetre 3,005–4,397 Sq. Ft. Main Level 1,050–1,745 Sq. Ft. Club Level 495 1 /3 -Acre Home Sites Single-Level Living

50

66

.

THE GREENS

66

AMENITIES • Sycamore House Community Center & Recreation Area • Tenant House Information Center • Willowsford Farm • Farm Garden & Stand • Bear Barn Tree House • Winston’s Walkabout Dog Park • Bloomfield Community Garden • Kids’ Bike Track • Paddock Gate Park • Miles of Trails

64 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

® ® K. Hovnanian • Fairfax Homes

from the mid $600’s

Willowsford.com/KHovnanian 2,830–4,996495 Sq. Ft. 1 /4-Acre, 1/3 -Acre Home Sites

7 395 495

95

95


TH E GR A NGE V ILL AGE – A SH BU R N, V I RGI N I A

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 65


Van Metre Homes from $1 Million Willowsford.com/VanMetre 3,627–3,999 Sq. Ft. Main Level 1,717–2,797 Sq. Ft. Club Level 495 3 /4 to 11/2-Acre Home Sites RE LE S G DUL

Bra d

do

ck

e Rd

Rd

DU LL

ES T

O LL ROAD

• Reston

28 Stone Spring s Rd

No rths tar Blv d

THE GROVE

267

Belmo n

THE GRANGE

• McLean

Dulles Airport Loudoun County Pkwy

Eve rfie ld

Dr

t Ridg

d

THE GRANT

iver cR

ills R nM

gree Ever

15

Tysons Corner •

EN WA Y

Potoma

50

66

.

THE GREENS

66

AMENITIES • Conservancy Camp Site • Willowsford Farm • Everfield Community Park • Miles of Trails

Line K • Fairfax

from $1.2 Million

Willowsford.com/LineK 4,046–5,458495 Sq. Ft. 1 /2-Acre Home Sites Single-Level Living

395 495

95

66 | VOL 7 SPRING 2016

7

95


TH E GR A NT V ILL AGE – A SH BU R N, V I RGI N I A

VOL 7 SPRING 2016 | 67


FARM-TO-TABLE COMES HOME Fresh. Local. Natural. Right in the neighborhood. The Farm Stand in The Grange offers: Seasonal Vegetables | Fresh Fruit | Farm Fresh Eggs Local Meats | Fresh-Cut Local Flowers | Local Honey Dairy Items | Baked Goods | Pantry Items | Gifts Potlucks | Tours and Volunteering | Kids’ Activities

“The CSA has made me a more creative cook. The mix of vegetables we’re used to and ones we didn’t know encourages us to try new things.” –Willowsford CSA member

Open to the public May through November. Tues–Fri: 2–7pm; Sat: 9am–2pm

Visit WillowsfordFarm.com to sign up for the 2016 CSA season and to learn more about Willowsford and Willowsford Farm. Willowsford is a 4,000-acre community in Loudoun County, 2,000 acres of which have been conserved for environmental preservation, recreation and agricultural use.

WillowsfordFarm.com This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. © 2016 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. February 2016.


COUNTRY LIVING Close at Hand

Brimming with history, character, and economic vitality, Loudoun County is home to some of the capital area’s most beloved restaurants, retailers and vineyards, as well as all the conveniences modern life demands. Willowsford is located on the north and south of historic Route 50. Within 15 minutes, Washington Dulles International Airport, Reston Town Center, Route 28, the Dulles Toll Road and I-66 are all accessible. The Metrorail extension to the airport and beyond to Route 772 (Ryan Road) is currently underway with projected completion in 2019.

607

606 267

621

Washington, D.C.

620 659

Interested in visiting Willowsford? We’d love to show you around. Our award-winning information centers are staffed with Community Guides, not salespeople. So you can feel comfortable learning about the community without any sales pressure. Information Centers are open daily from 11am–6pm. For directions, visit Willowsford.com/Visit or call 571-297-2000.

TENANT HOUSE INFORMATION CENTER 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148

BOAT HOUSE INFORMATION CENTER 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105


Life.

Experienced.

Prices and terms set forth herein are provided by homebuilders within Willowsford who are not affiliated with the owner and developer of the community. Such prices and terms, and the quality of the homebuilders’ homes, are not verified or warranted by owner Willowsford, L.L.C. or its affiliates. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. Š 2016 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. February 2016

Willowsford.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.